Manchester United will host Crystal Palace at Old Trafford this Sunday in a Premier League clash that promises to be crucial for both teams. The Red Devils will be aiming to extend their winning streak to four matches across all competitions after securing a vital Europa League victory over FCSB on Thursday. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace will be looking to bounce back from their recent defeat to Brentford, which ended a six-game unbeaten run across the Premier League and FA Cup.
Team News & Key Players:
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Manchester United: United’s coach, Ruben Amorim, has overseen an upturn in form after a rocky start to the season. Despite still sitting 12th in the Premier League, the team’s recent performances, including a crucial win at Fulham last time out, suggest they are beginning to find their rhythm. Diogo Dalot and Kobbie Mainoo shone in their midweek European outing, while Bruno Fernandes will continue to play a pivotal role in midfield. Luke Shaw has returned to training but is unlikely to feature due to a slow recovery from a hamstring injury. Mason Mount and Jonny Evans are also out of contention.
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Crystal Palace: Under the management of Oliver Glasner, Crystal Palace have shown signs of improvement after a shaky start to the season. The Eagles will be without Chadi Riad, who is out for the remainder of the campaign due to injury, leaving the defence slightly exposed. However, the recent form of Jean-Philippe Mateta, who scored four goals in as many matches in January, will be crucial in their attack. Palace’s strong defensive record on the road will also be a key factor as they face United.
Head-to-Head: Last season, Crystal Palace shocked Manchester United with a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford, courtesy of a first-half goal from Joachim Andersen. The Eagles have always proven a tricky opponent for United, and this season should be no different.
Key Matchups:
- Bruno Fernandes vs. Palace's Defence: Fernandes will look to pull the strings in midfield for Manchester United, and with Palace missing one of their regular centre-backs in Riad, they could be vulnerable to his creative play.
- Mateta vs. United's Defence: Mateta has been in excellent form recently, and the absence of key defenders for United could provide him with the opportunity to add to his tally.
Match Prediction: With Crystal Palace boasting the best away defensive record in the Premier League, United may struggle to break them down, despite being on a decent run of form. However, the attacking prowess of players like Bruno Fernandes and the potential of Mainoo could give the Red Devils an edge. It’s expected to be a tight encounter with both teams keen on securing all three points, but we predict a 1-1 draw as the most likely outcome.
Final Thoughts: This match is a pivotal one for Manchester United as they aim to close the gap on the top five and push for a Europa League spot. Crystal Palace, on the other hand, will want to bounce back after their defeat to Brentford and continue their push for a mid-table finish.
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